We can learn a lot about the state of the nation by the issues that occupy our local officials’ minds. They’re on the frontlines of policy, and can often spot national problems before they even begin.
In light of that fact, the National League of Cities (NLC) recently set out to determine just what those issues are—at least when it comes to one of the country’s best barometers: its mayors.
By analyzing the State of the City addresses given by 100 mayors across the nation this year, the NLC was able to develop a list of subjects that cities find most important. An issue was considered to have garnered “significant coverage” if it received at least three paragraphs during a speech. From there, the NLC ranked the 10 subjects in order of importance.
Economic issues remain at the forefront of the mayors’ agenda, the NLC found. Three-quarters of the speeches they analyzed were devoted to economic development, with job creation trouncing all other sub-categories. Public safety also received significant attention, however. Seventy percent of speeches devoted substantial time to issues like policing, fire and crime.
In addition to economic matters and safety, the NLC found budgets, infrastructure, education and housing to be leading matters of concern. Environmental issues, demographics, technology and healthcare also made the top 10.
Governing.com has a break-down of the findings. Or click here for the full report.